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Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Imaging of HIV-1 Envelope-induced Virological Synapse and Signaling on Synthetic Lipid Bilayers
Published on: March 8, 2012
Membrane raft microdomains mediate lateral assemblies required for HIV-1 infection
S Mañes1, G del Real, R A Lacalle
1Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/CSIC, Madrid, Spain. smanes@cnb.uam.es
Abstract:
HIV-1 infection triggers lateral membrane diffusion following interaction of the viral envelope with cell surface receptors. We show that these membrane changes are necessary for infection, as initial gp120-CD4 engagement leads to redistribution and clustering of membrane microdomains, enabling subsequent interaction of this complex with HIV-1 co-receptors. Disruption of cell membrane rafts by cholesterol depletion before viral exposure inhibits entry by both X4 and R5 strains of HIV-1, although viral replication in infected cells is unaffected by this treatment. This inhibitory effect is fully reversed by cholesterol replenishment of the cell membrane. These results indicate a general mechanism for HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein-mediated fusion by reorganization of membrane microdomains in the target cell, and offer new strategies for preventing HIV-1 infection.
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